How Budget Cuts Affect Senior Retirement Community Residents in Washington

At a certain time each year a new budget is proposed and issued. This new budget is intended to keep the entity operating as intended. For profit-oriented entities, the bottom line (profit) is the main issue. There usually are items from the previous year that are either cut or eliminated from the current year’s budget. Many retirement communities, in particular, have decreased budgets in 2006. How do these budget cuts affect senior retirement community residents in Washington? This is a firsthand account of what I have seen.

First of all, many retirement communities decrease the meals available. I have known some to go from three meals a day to two. Other communities go so far as only providing one meal a day. I have seen residents wrap their food up and take it up to their rooms for later. Food is only one area where budget cuts affect senior retirement community residents in Washington.

Entertainment is another area where drastic cuts have been made in the 2006 budget. Many retirement communities have to find other ways to entertain their residents besides ‘outside entertainment’. If communities are intent on keeping paid entertainment, it is at a reduced rate. Some retirement communities are turning to CDs and television shows. Or, still other retirement communities are turning to volunteers. In fact, more and more retirement communities are relying on volunteer entertainers for their residents. Luckily, there are some very enjoyable entertainers available on the market. There are many retired entertainers who willingly share their talents to help others smile. I have seen a tap-dancing group of 80 year olds that are phenomenal! Still, entertainment is another way that budget cuts affect senior retirement community residents in Washington.

I have known retirement communities to simply fire the entire staff and hire a new one. This was the way the owner thought the new budget could be reached. The residents were totally discombobulated and did not know what to expect out of anyone in management. The residents were receiving no support at all. It was sad to see. This is yet another way that budget cuts affect senior retirement community residents in Washington.

Life Enrichment classes have been cut. Of course, Bingo is still on the agenda. In some cases, the previous budget year had classes that inspired and gave hope to the retirement community residents. One class in particular comes to mind. I was teaching a writing class and left my students with some homework from the first class. I was not sure how it would go over. Upon returning for the second class, each student enthusiastically participated! They loved the homework! It gave them something to think about besides their medications and illnesses. Our classes contained so much laughter, the staff had to come check out what was going on. This amount of laughter was unheard of around there. The retirement community residents (class students) felt like they were contributing. They absolutely loved it! It was fun to see their minds ticking. It was fun to hear the enthusiasm in their voices! They were not their usual stagnant selves. Still, the class was cut due to budget cuts. How very sad for those involved. This is yet another way that budget cuts affect senior retirement community residents in Washington.

Budgets cuts are a necessary occurrence for any business at some time. They always will be. There will always be controversy regarding what to cut and what not to cut. However, why hinder the residents who pay the senior retirement community’s bills? Why not cut the extravagance found in the owner’s office? After all, does the owner really need that $4,000 desk with matching chairs next to the $10,000 Chihuly sculpture? I think not.